[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 15 (Wednesday, February 25, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INCREASED MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCES FOR CRIMINALS POSSESSING FIREARMS

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                               speech of

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 24, 1998

  Ms. DeGette. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose H.R. 424. I strongly 
support effective crime control and crime prevention measures. I am 
also a steadfast proponent of smart gun control laws and tough 
sentences for gun-related violence. However, this misguided attempt 
imposes penalties for possessing a weapon that are far more severe than 
are the sentences for many violent crimes, like manslaughter. It is 
outrageous that the penalties imposed by this legislation for a first 
time offender for drug possession who has a gun at the time of the 
crime is ten years while a rapist receives only six years. We need to 
get tough on crime, but we also must be smart in our crime control 
strategies. Mandatory sentencing does not allow judicial flexibility to 
address each crime individually, imposing tough sentences when 
necessary and second chances when warranted.
  The severity of sentences should reflect the seriousness of the crime 
committed. The sentencing policy included in this legislation which 
punishes criminals based not on their crime but on whether or not they 
possess a gun and the type of gun they possess simply does not make 
sense.

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